Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” —Luke 23:34
What do Pilate, Herod, the taunting soldiers, and the out-of-control mob have in common? Answer: They were accomplishing God’s will. Though their intent was completely evil, God used them to bring about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. They were not the ultimate movers behind the action. These evildoers became unwitting agents of the gospel.
As He hung on that splintery cross, just moments from yielding to death, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.” So blinded by their hatred for Him, these mockers and villains had no idea that they were helping display the love of God for the world.
Do we owe them our thanks? Of course not! What we do owe is marvel and awe to our all-wise God who used the vile to bring about the good, who used hatred, darkness, and death to bring about love, light, and life.
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Incomparable: 50 Days with Jesus © 2024 by Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
Pray that God will use the hatred that many have for Christ to draw others, even the haters themselves, to salvation.